Big week for celebrities visiting Key West.

Venus Williams and The Real Housewives of Orange County!

Venus’ visit especially noteworthy. Wednesday night, she, her boy friend and our own Laurie Thibaud sat together at Bobby’s Monkey Bar chatting, drinking and singing the evening away.

Lauri reports Venus and her boy friend very friendly to other customers and Venus a noteworthy singer.

Venus and friend are staying at Sunset Key.

Venus’ week began in Miami. She is reported to have danced “all night long” 2 nights in a row. All night means till 5 in the morning. Then shot down to Key West for a few days of sun and fun.

The Real Wives of Orange Country have been in Key West since wednesday. Flew to Miami. Drove Maserati convertibles down U.S. 1 to Key West.

They will be filming while in Key West.

Wednesday night found one of them at Bourbon Street Pub and 801. The “Original Gangsta” Vicki Gurvalson. The others remained in their hotel re-energizing. The ladies are booked into one of the new hotels on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Bria Ansara was performing at Bourbon Street. Vicki and Bria got along famously. Took some selfies.

At some point early morning, Vicki moved across the street to 801.

Jeeps were rented for the ladies for thursday. Whatever the filming may be, it involves them driving Jeeps round town. They also visited some of Key West’s haunted homes.

The big event for today is attending a key lime pie eating contest. Where, I do not know.

An exciting few days! Venus and The Housewives!

I had my excitement yesterday afternoon when I guested on Lauri Thibaud’s radio show Party Time at 107.5 FM, WGAY FM. Laurie could not wait to share her evening with Venus Williams.

Thn to the Chart Room. Chatted with 4 men from the Portland, Oregon area. Fishermen. Came cross country to fish Key West waters.

Nice guys. We chatted about many things. One into politics as I am. Especially enjoyed his company.

They went out on Keys waters for the first time at 7 this morning.

A short article at page 3 of this morning’s Key West Citizen was titled: Pity The Fools Who Miss This Turtle’s Release.

Turtles loved in the Keys. Great concern for them. The Keys even has a Turtle Hospital in Marathon. A world wide reputation. Sick turtles are flown in from every where.

Mr. T ended up in the Turtle Hospital in early February. Mr. T a 200 pound adult male loggerhead sea turtle. Pretty sick.

He was discovered off  Tavernier. Floating. A fishing hook with trailing logged in his mouth. An endoscopy revealed Mr. T had a tear in one lung.

Mr. T was operated on. The hook removed and a blood patch applied to repair the lung tear.

Mr. T is ready to return wednesday to his home in the sea. He will be released tuesday at 3:30 on Sombrero Beach in Marathon. A couple hundred people will be there to see him off.

John Bolton is one of Trump’s henchmen. A war monger. Always looking to start a war.

Teddy Roosevelt said, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” Adjusting the verbiage a bit to fit Bolton: “Walk ARROGANTLY and SWING a big stick.”

Kurt Nimmo recently wrote: “Bolton and the neocons now infesting the White House are all about war, mass murder, starvation, and the engineered immiseration of millions.”

Pompeo and Bolton are birds of a feather. They are looking for a war. Any war. Presently attempting to push the U.S. into one with Venezuela.

Trump generally acts in an adverse fashion. He is a bully. Uncaringly hurts people. An evil man.

It bothers me that few Republicans stand up to him. They seem more concerned with politics rather than doing the right thing.

John Kennedy quoted Edmund Burke in a speech: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

So true.

Republicans get off your asses! Do something. Do not permit Trump to continue going unbridled.

We fail to recognize the extent to which robots are taking over. In the very near future, significantly fewer human jobs will exist because robots will have replaced the workers. Government is failing us. There are few, if any, retraining programs as yet.

Robot use has developed even further than most are aware. Certain robots now decide who gets a job, continues working, or gets fired. With no human intervention!

Such robots primarily involved with low paid workers. Software and algorithms deciding who continues working.

Amazon.com already utilizing robots in such a fashion. The robot tracks the productivity of employees and regularly fires those who under perform, with next to no human intervention.

Another example involves industrial laundry services. Robots are used to track seconds in the pressing of a shirt.

Friday. Looking forward to tonight. Have nothing to do as yet.

Enjoy your day!

Strange name!

I was sitting at the end of the bar in the Chart Room at 7 last night. Another fellow at the other end of the bar. Tammy bartending.

In walked 2 couples. One of the guys yells Louis. I tuned and looked. A stranger. Roberto Pasta Pantaleo. We hugged. As we embraced, I recalled Theo had written and said his artist friend from Islamorada would be coming down to meet me. I had forgotten. Thank God I opted to go out last night.

An absolutely fabulous evening! We laughed our way through 2 hours.

Background.

Roberto’s first name is Roberto. His second, Pasta. He goes by Pasta. Born in Italy, grew up in Brooklyn. School not his thing. Quit while in high school. Urban Brooklyn not the happiest place for the Pantaleo family. They moved to Florida.

His friends used to call each other by their last names. Pantaleo was difficult for some. Pasta’s older brother used to call him “Pasta Fazul.” A traditional Italian dish of pasta and beans.

Everyone began calling him Pasta.

Pasta’s younger years found him riding motorcycles and hot rods.

Oh, the life it was!

Pasta was painting a bit. A friend asked if he would customize a new van he had purchased by pin striping it. Van came out terrific!

Pasta began airbrushing. By the late 1970’s, he had become a class airbrush painter.

His break as a painter came in 2001. He did some image branding for a professional fishing tournament. Quality work. His phone began to ring!

Today, Pasta is a recognized world wide artist of sea and sea life. Primarily prints. I viewed some on the internet. Bright! Brilliant!

His gallery is located at mile marker 89.5 in Islamorada. In the very heart of Islamorada. Named the Pasta Pantaleo Signature Gallery.

The gallery a beauty. An historical 1937 Red Cross House. A “must see.”

Man does not succeed alone. He needs a woman. Angela is Pasta’s wife. She helps with the promotion end of the business. A charming woman in her own right. Enjoyed her company immensely.

Pasta and Angela came with Tim and Carla. Carla a woman with a special trait. She found a reason to toast not every other drink, every other sip. Well, almost.

Tim and Carla from Wisconsin. Their Keys home in Marathon. Work together. Business consultants. They help companies settle claims with the U.S. government.

Theo, you did good! Thank you for bringing Pasta and I together.

Tammy was bartending. A wreck. she is moving this weekend. She has some lovely furniture pieces. Rain is predicted.

My recommendation was she hang a set of rosary beads outside her door. An old tradition to ward off anticipated rain on a wedding day.

Tammy is correct in being concerned. We have received a tropical storm warning for the weekend. Apparently storms and hurricanes are unaware that the hurricane season still is not yet to arrive for another month.

The storm may or may not turn into a tropical one. Never the less, rain. If it hits proper numbers and is awarded a tropical storm rating, it will be named Andrea.

My admonition: Rain, rain, go  away, little Tammy wants to MOVE!

This afternoon I guest on Laurie Thibaud’s radio show Party Time. 4 to 5:30. Radio station 107.5 FM, WGAY FM.

We chat about everything. Whatever turns us on at the moment. Join us.

The yellow building that has been under construction on Flagler soon to be occupied by a charter high school. Somerset Island Prep.

Great concept. Two of the 4 years of  charter high school involve college credit courses. When the student moves on to college, only 2 additional years is required to obtain a Bachelor Degree. A great money saver, as well as time saver.

Student enrollment limited. One hundred per year.

College costs today astronomical! Off the wall! A disgrace!

Recall the recent news re a Rick Singer who was able to get children of the wealthy into college. A fraudulent scheme. Big bucks involved. Many already arrested.

The most recent news involves Yusi “Molly” Zhao. From Beijing.

In 2017, her parents paid Singer to get Molly into Stanford for $6.5 million. I would have been happy to home teach her for half!

Anyhow, she was admitted because of her sailing abilities. She was described as a “sailing prodigy.”

Word on the street is the Blue Macaw has been sold. To the Rams Head Group.

A lot of high end commercial properties being sold this year. Corporate America obviously has faith in Key West.

The Rams Head Group recently was awarded the contract to operate the new Truman Amphitheater.

Theo and Dina, my condolences.

Theo and Dina made an artist friend in Key West. Ray Bolton.

I knew Ray only slightly. He occasionally would be at Blue Macaw and we would chat.

Ray was born in British Guyana. Settled in Key West.

Tennessee Williams. Made Key West his home for 40 plus years.

On this day in 1955, Williams received the Pulitzer Prize for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

Watched much of William Barr’s appearance before the Senate Committee yesterday.

My observations: He sunk deeper into moral quicksand, left no doubt he was Trump’s man, made Jeff Sessions look good, qualified himself as a liar.

The Democrats on the Committee were ready for him. They had done their homework. Especially, Senator Kamala Harris.

Caught Hillary Clinton on one of the talk shows yesterday.

Recall how Trump went on TV during the campaign asking China to get Clinton’s 30,000 e-mails? Clinton hit back with humor yesterday. She asked, “China, if you’re listening, why don’t you get Trump’s tax returns?”

I finish with Venezuela.

Yesterday’s coup failed. The generals remained with Maduro. I predicted the coup would fail and the generals would remain with Maduro.

Pompeo an ass in this whole thing. He and Bolton have rabble roused Trump. War the cry! War with Venezuela!

Ain’t going to be a war. Russia already in Venezuela with planes and troops.

Trump’s argument is that Venezuela has become a humanitarian cause. Where was he 5 years ago when the people of Venezuela killed their pets for food?

It’s all about oil. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. The U.S. and Russia want the oil!

Enjoy your day!

My intent was to do a change of pace blog today. Lift the burden of the world off our shoulders. A historical piece zeroing in on whether Brutus was Caesar’s son. Might have been.

However, too much happening. My good intention waylaid to the extent of 2 additional items. One involving sex in Paradise/Key West. The other, Attorney General Bar’s lying to the Senate and inferentially the American public.

An only Key West happening. Sex in Paradise.

A homeless man and an intoxicated woman were engaged in having sex on the sidewalk in front to the Key West Police Station. The man’s pant’s were down. The woman was without panties or pants.

The man arrested for indecent exposure. The woman not.

Such does not occur  in front of the Police Station even during Fantasy Fest.

I found the Barr memo hard to believe and Barr’s conduct thereafter suspicious. Something not right. Additionally, I have been condemning Rosenstein. Especially recently. Seemed over time to have been in bed with Trump. Appears to have been Trump’s mole within the privacy of the Mueller investigation.

Last night, the Washington Post reported bad shenanigans on Barr’s part. He is turning out to be Trump’s Roy Cohen rather than Attorney for the people of the United States.

Significant is the revelation of a letter from Mueller to Barr and a subsequent telephone call wherein Mueller expressed his displeasure with Barr’s 4 page Memo. Followed up with Barr’s lying to the Senate re any contact with Mueller following his receipt of the Mueller Report.

Barr is in trouble.

Another example of an otherwise good man who joins the Trump team and becomes dirtied.

The unraveling scenario is like a dying dike. A hole appears in the wall. A child’s finger plugs it. Then several more holes. More and bigger fingers required. Now cracks.

The dike has to give. Cannot withstand the pressure being applied to it. Similar to Humpty Dumpty sitting on the wall and falling down. No one could put Humpty Dumpty together again.

Now for what was to be my sole literary contribution to the day. Interesting. Uncertain as to truth. I will lay the facts out for you to decide.

Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March. March 15, 44 B.C. Brutus was one of the conspirators knifing Caesar.

It is claimed Caesar seeing Brutus exclaimed, “Et tu Brute.”

Shakespeare interprets/portrays the words as “And you Brutus.” The words have been misinterpreted since then to “You too, Brutus.”

One hundred fifty years after the slaying, the Roman historian Suet Onius claimed the translation involved incorrect. His position was Caesar said nothing or said, “You too, child.”

Which brings to attention the question of who was Brutus’ father. Many historians believe Caesar fathered Brutus. Initially difficult to accept. Caesar was only 15 years older than Brutus.

On the other hand, plausible.

When Caesar was young, he was enamored with a young woman. Servilia. Servilia was Brutus’ mother.

There is further evidence.

In an early war against Caesar, Brutus fought with the opposition. It is claimed that Caesar gave orders that Brutus was not to be killed or injured. Under any circumstances.

Brutus was neither killed nor wounded. In fact, he escaped capture. Following which he wrote a letter to Caesar begging forgiveness. Caesar forgave him. Even giving him a position of authority within his government.

You may wonder how this interpretation problem arose. Turns out the history of Caesar’s death was first written in Greek. I could not determine if writings were initially made in other languages.

The Greek phrase involved is “Kaiou tekvov.” My Greek spelling may be a bit incorrect. I am not familiar with the Greek language.

“Kaiou tekvov” translated is “You too, child.”

Enjoy your day!

Never met a ghost. Not sure there are ghosts, and, if so,  good ghosts and bad ghosts. I do have a “good” Key West ghost story to share, however.

Her name Maria Valdez de Gutsens.

Maria a warm giving professional nurse. Worked with hose who had no money. Ran a hospital, knocked on doors for money and food, gave comfort to all who needed her.

The Mercedes Hospital. Formerly the home of one of Key West’s earliest cigar makers. A man of wealth. Eduardo Gato.

He built the home for his family. Moved at some point. The house physically moved or he built a new one. The new home at 1209 Virginia Street.

Eduardo’s wife Mercedes died. Eduardo donated the house to charity to be used as a hospital. He conditioned the gift on the naming of the hospital after his wife Mercedes.

Mercedes Hospital was born.

Maria almost immediately took over management. She made herself responsible for every detail involved in the hospital’s operation.

Maria was a short squat woman. Hair in a bun. Daily wore a gray dress with long sleeves and a high collar laced on top.

She worked hard till 1941 when she died.

The hospital closed down. Mercedes Hospital was no more. The 2 story building fell into disrepair. Windows broken. Its yard used for cock fights.

Sometime in the late 1950’s, the building was renovated. Turned into an apartment house.

Maria returned. Or, perhaps she had never left.

Tenants over the years swear they have seen her, been touched by her. They have identified her from old photos. Even a Dr. Fogarty who is in some of the photos.

Maria is buried in Key West Cemetery. Periodically she is seen walking the rooms and halls of the Gato House. All persons who have seen and identified her are reported to have been of sound mind.

Maybe she is a for real ghost.

It is a story I sort of believe.

Last night a fun time. Shared it with Buffalo’s Fran and Tom Dixon. Aqua first for Dueling Bartenders. Then La Trattoria for dinner at the bar. Carrie bartending. Dink seated on his usual corner stool.

Mary was at Dueling Bartenders. We chatted briefly.

Today was to be Venezuela’s big day. The bogus President announced military support and that he would officially be ousting Maduro and taking over.

Knew it would never work.

He who controls the military controls Venezuela. The military a group of whores and thieves. Maduro keeps them well fed, their coffers full, etc.

Already on TV this morning 100,000 demonstrators were marching. The claimed new President leading them.

The only problem is the people of Venezuela lack the balls to fight for what they want, for what they believe is theirs. They forget that God only helps those who help themselves.

In the meantime, Trump is tweeting and Pence has been on TV saying we support you, stand with you, etc. The U.S. military some 3,500 strong has been sitting on the Venezuela/Columbia border for days waiting to go in.

It will not happen. Trump will not go in unless the military dump Maduro. Which will not happen.

Another reason is that Russia supports Maduro. Putin has had planes and men in Venezuela itself for days.

Another example of Trump’s bullshit and bravado not working.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein announced yesterday he will resign effective May 11.

Rosenstein goes out “dirty.”

Three big reasons. First, he wrote the letter providing the excuse and recommendation that Comey be fired. Second, he has become a Barr supporter. Finally and most important, it appears he was a mole in the Mueller investigation reporting to Trump.

It has been announced Pope Francis has arranged for a $500,000 contribution to help the Central American migrants stranded along the border as they try to reach America.

The contribution has been described as a “shot across the bow of President Trump.”

Francis fears no man. Many believe the contribution is retaliation by the Pope against Trump because Trump recently cut off all U.S. aid to Guatemala and Honduras last month.

Trump tweeted in return that the Pope should have spent the money helping U.S. poor and homeless.

One more Trump story.

The Washington Post Check Finder announced today that Trump has passed the 10,000 marker re lies. The telling of false and misleading claims.

Trump likes to be #1. No question he has to be the President with the most lies ever.

He should be ashamed.

Nine tonight. My podcast show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. A fast moving fun half hour. Listen to me rant and rave about this and that. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Early in 1968, I was 33 years old. On business in New York City. A close friend and Police Lieutenant Bobby Mazza had driven me to the City. Business took longer than expected. We spent an extra evening in New York.

Decided to see a show. An off Broadway one. Hair. Playing at an old movie theater in the east Village.

The play had received a number of positive reviews both for the show’s music and subject matter. A few negatives for the subject matter.

It was a time of cultural change in the U.S. Anti-war, drugs, sex, a youth revolution. A tribal rock musical, the song Aquarius was the heart of Hair. Let the sunshine in!

Era defining. A cultural phenomenon.

At the end of the first act, the entire cast appeared on stage. Bare assed! Exhibited front and back sides to the audience to see.

A never before. Nudity of this nature not acceptable.

The audience exhibited a noisy calm. Then a rising grumbling. Followed by a standing shouting ovation.

America was accepting of the changes taking place.

Several months later, Hair made it to Broadway.

A noted New York Times critic at the time wrote: “For an escapist dose of the sweet sound of youth brimming with hope that the world is going to change tomorrow, you listen to Hair and let the sunshine in.”

I ended up watching a couple of old movies yesterday afternoon. Did not get out till 7. Meant my only stop would be the Chart Room.

John bartending. Kevin and Holly at the end of the bar. Their son in law Ken with them. We chatted a while.

Soon the bar was empty. Only John and me.

There was a guy going out the door. John told me it was too bad he and I had not had the opportunity to talk. The fellow was from Astoria, Oregon. The home of another Chart Room. He took a number of pics of our Chart Room before he left.

Did a little digging this morning. Turns out Astoria had 2 Chart Rooms for a number of years. One closed in 2011 after a long run.

The one that remains looks like the Pier House’s Chart Room size and design wise. That is where it stops, however. Our place is a dungeon. Loved in its aged form. The one still operating in Astoria is polished bright and in every respect.

The difference between our Chart Room and the present day Astoria one is yesterday and today.

For those who some day might make it to Astoria, you have a place to seek out, to enjoy, while comparing notes with Key West’s Chart Room.

The Chart Room began filling again. Met Jack from Cudjoe Key. We got into Irma and its impact on Cudjoe. Devastating!

Many lost their homes. Older. No insurance to rebuild. Or  the question whether wise when elderly to spend insurance money on rebuilding.

Monroe County recently came up with a proclamation. Set a time period whereby those presently living in RVs may have to build homes or leave. Or something to that effect. Confusing. Whatever, Irma’s pain still with us and will be for a number of years to come.

Things will be even worse if Gd forbid another hurricane of consequence hits in the next few years.

Stopped at Publix on the way home. Late night shopping the best. Very few customers. In and out in minutes!

Conch Republic Days are over. The Conch Republic, seceded, battled the forces of the U.S., and won! Thirty seven years of consistent winning!

I continue to learn. I was unaware that in addition to the Conch Republic Army, Navy and Air Force, it also has a women’s contingency. The CIA. Short for “Cuties in Action.”

Saw photos of them in today’s Citizen as they were marching in thursday’s Duval Street parade.

Tonight, Dueling Bartenders. Then dinner at La Trattoria. Game plan to meet Tom and Fran at Aqua. Kevin and Holly might even show.

Jennifer Jones was one of the great movie stars of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Won 2 Academy Awards. Starred in such films as Song of Bernadette, A Farewell to Arms, and Love Is A Many Splendered Thing.

She and producer Davod O’Selznick arrived in Key West this day in 1946. Spent some time vacationing here. Stayed at La Concha.

Poway, California suffered the past two days. The worst type experience. A 19 year old decided to shoot up the Chabad Synagogue.

One parishioner killed, 3 others injured.

One of these injured was Rabbi Goldstein. He and the woman killed were the first to confront the shooter. The Rabbi had a finger shot off on one hand and was shot  in the other hand, also.

Fortunately, the shooter’s gun jammed. The Rabbi bleeding ran into the filled adjoining room and shouted “RUN” to this in the room.

I watched the Rabbi on TV. Moving! He crying! I was crying! Many watching had to be crying!

Climate change and cheap power go hand in hand to a certain extent. Climate has something to do with energy creation. Wind and solar 2 examples.

Not enough, however. There is another step. The power created must be stored. Gigantic batteries probably.

Whatever, big battery testing has been ongoing for 2 years in Australia.

I have been writing about new found Greek friends Theo and Dina the past few days. Theo owns a Greek company. One of its major involvements is with air conditioning. Before arriving in Key West last week, Theo had been in Japan. Something to do with air conditioning.

Enjoy your day!

The life blood of Key West is tourism. Key West’s sole industry.

Not consistent. Has its highs and lows. Busy as hell and then suddenly quiet for a period.

The longest busy time is known as the “season.” January 15 through Easter Sunday. Bodies, cars, bicycles, golf cart vehicles, baby carriages, etc. all over the place.

As quickly as the season arrives, it leaves. The Monday after Easter Sunday people depart Key West in droves. Tourists as well as snowbirds.

Today marks one week since Easter Sunday. The season group down 60-70 percent. More will leave this week.

The absence of tourists and snowbirds obvious. Everything slows down. As a water faucet to a slow drip.

A much needed rest begins. Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day will see a resurgence. Then Fantasy Fest followed by Christmas week. And it will be season again!

The slower pace, the fewer people, provide locals with the opportunity to recoup. A reset every now and then hurts no one.

A busy Chart Room last night. Met my Greek friends Theo and Dina at 6. A good bye drink together. They leave for northern Florida today. Will be questing at Mar a Lago beginning Wednesday.

Buffalo’s Tom and Fran at the bar. They have guests from the Syracuse area. Love Tom and Fran! We have been friends for at least 10 years. I was quick to ask and Fran quick to advise she brought me more sauce and meat. Plus, low carb bread.

She worries about my health.

I left for Donna and Terri’s at 6:45. Dinner at 7 at their home.

Donna cooking. A great meal! Some kind of chicken dish and pasta.

Donna and Terri both looking good. Vibrant. Even Bear.

I was home and in bed by 9:30. There was a time when I had not even gone out yet for the night at 9:30.

Sunday down to basics. Hot Dog Church, the Gardens, and the Chart Room. Maybe dinner at La Trattoria.  I suspect I only will make Hot Dog Church and the Chart Room.

Key West is known for many things. Would take pages to list them all. Three prominent ones include the sunset, authors, and artists.

The sunsets draw people from all over theworld. Something mystic about standing at Mallory Square and watching the sun dip over the horizon.

Oh, so many authors! Too many to list at one time. The better known include Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost, and Judy Blume.

Artists galore! Key West’s Bohemian atmosphere attracts them.

The soul of our Nation is wounded. Our political differences a knife in the chest. Resolution required.

The Catholic Mass has a part known as Agnus Dei. Latin for “Grant Us Peace.”

We need some Agnus Dei.

Shrimp boats are a comin’, their sails are in sight…..

A popular song published in 1951.

On the rare occasions I hear the tune these days, it reminds me of another coming. Not a religious one. Not a boat.

Robots!

Every day, more and more.

Recognize that as robot workers increase, the human work force decreases. Jobs will be less. People will really be hung up for work.

The situation a major problem around the corner. No one seems to be worrying about it.

Robots will result in consumer goods being cheaper. What value if consumers do not have the money to buy less expensive goods?

Enjoy your Sunday!

Time to recognize what our government has become. CORRUPT! At the highest echelons.

Trump dirties everything he touches. Honorable persons become tainted.

The Department of Justice has always been beyond reproach. Trump has been telling us for 2 years how corrupt it is. He’s correct. Not because Justice basically was. Trump did it. He corrupted the best of Justice.

Attorney General William Barr a recent example. He should go to jail, not Hillary.

The other, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein based on the news that broke yesterday. Rosenstein has been a secret Trump stooge from almost day one.

I suspected something was wrong with Rosenstein  when he wrote a report recommending Comey be discharged for what appeared to be bullshit wrongdoing. I gave him the benefit of the doubt at the time. Justice works under stringent rules and perhaps Comey had overstepped those bounds.

However based on yesterday’s news release re Rosenstein cavorting with Trump from almost day one and Barr recently, it is obvious that he is lacking in character. He has continuously stated how honorable he is. I suspect he speaketh too much to the issue. The man is a hypocrite.

Rosenstein sucked up to Trump and back stabbed his friend of many years Bob Mueller.

This cannot go on. The time is now to take steps to chastise and hopefully remove Trump. Impeach now. Not when all the facts have been investigated as the Democrats are saying. Actually, the Democrats are fearful of an impeachment proceeding backfiring on them politically. Such should not be their concern. Such is doing wrong as the Republicans have been doing the past few years.

Bring Trump down now! Not when it will be too late. Not when he will have convinced enough Americans that he is Simon pure and it is too late.

Last night was special. The Conch Republic Great Sea Battle and dinner with friends Theo and Dina. Mary joined us.

We watched the Battle from the upper deck of the Pier House followed by dinner downstairs on Pier 1’s outside deck.

Th evening excellent. Theo and Dina wonderful people.

They leave tomorrow. Eventually to return to their home in Greece. We are meeting tonight at 6 for a last drink.

Tom and Fran back. Buffalo friends. It has been a long time between visits. Missed them last night. They were out on a boat watching the Battle. Tonight, I may run into them for a drink. At 7, I am due at Donna and Terri’s for dinner.

Enjoy your day!

Visitors from the north. Great White sharks.

Keys waters not necessarily where Great Whites are found. A bit too warm for them. Great Whites generally found to the north in cooler waters.

Two sightings the past few days. One 6 miles off Geiger Key. The other off Looe Key.

In each instance, the sightings were by persons fishing for yellow tail.

The Great White each time estimated to be 15 feet in length. Possibility exists it was the same Great White each time.

The one off Geiger Key came up to the boat with its jaws wide open. The one off Looe Key continued circling the boat for 3 hours. Those on the boat were able to touch the shark several times. Brave souls! Not bright, however.

Tonight the Great Sea Battle. Between the Conch Republic and forces of the United States. Sharks not involved.

Seven in the evening. Gulf side of the island.

The Conch Republic vessels pirate ships. The crew pirates. Limited bikinis for the females. Conch vessels will be firing cabbage, eggs, tomatoes and who knows what else. Also spouting sea water on opposing vessels.

The Conch Republic Air Force bi-planes. Pre- World War II vintage. Open cockpits. They will be dropping bombs on U.S. Coast Guard vessels. The bombs rolls of toilet paper which unfurl as they fall.

The U.S. Air Force will be Navy jets from Boca Chica.

Pre-World War II bi-planes fighting today’s jets. A sight to behold!

Mary and I will be watching the event with my Greek friends Theo and Dina. From Pier 1. Dinner at the outside deck. A walk back to the far outside deck to watch the battle.

A fun night!

Remember the fellow who jumped off a dock onto a pelican. He pled guilty this week to 4 charges. Sentenced to 90 days in jail. Received credit for the 40 days already served. Fined $1,000. Probation following release from jail for 1 year.

Florida continues to be a Republican state. Many of its citizens Trump supporters.

Sanctuary cities popular in many areas across the country. Trump cracking down on them. His most recent idea is to dump immigrants into sanctuary cities. Let them deal with the problem.

Florida going a step further. The Florida House of Representatives voted this week 69-47 in a party line vote to toughen opposition to sanctuary cities.

The bill requires local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities re migrants and also ban sanctuary city police from shielding immigrants who are arrested.

The Senate is expected to support the legislation. It is anticipated the Governor will sign it.

The ACLU has warned immigrants to avoid Florida. Not to travel to Florida.

Trumpies are such a welcoming people!

Accidents happen in war. Especially those where we accidentally kill our own.

On this day in 1942, the USS Sturtevant was leaving Key West via the Northwest Channel. The Sturtevant accidentally strayed into a US Navy minefield. The vessel was sunk. Seventeen Americans lost their lives.

Putin and Kim Jung Un are meeting in a summit this week in Russia. Surprisingly, one of the issues discussed is North Korea denuclearization. Putin announced North Korea is agreeable to denuclearization as long as it receives necessary assurances and protections that it will not be invaded, have nuclear weapons used against it, etc.

I doubt anything will come of it, except to draw Russia and North Korea closer. In opposition to the U.S., of course. One possibility is that if the U.S. in any way attacks, etc. North Korea, Russia will immediately step in to defend North Korea.

If such is the result, Trump will once again have screwed things up. He will unquestionably have allied 2 U.S. enemies closer than they were before. Kim Jung Un will have made a fool out of Trump, Pompeo, and Bolan. Putin will once more have out foxed Trump.

Disney World’s Abigail Disney does not beat around the bush. She calls it as she sees it.

Most recently she says the poor are poor because the rich are rich. The rich only care for themselves and manipulate things to their advantage. To the detriment of the poor.

She also says the rich are aided by big government. Big government primarily represents the rich and not the poor. Thereby making everything easy for the rich.

A measles update.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports 695 cases this year alone in the U.S. An epidemic without question.

Another set of numbers reports in New York City alone since October 285 cases. Last year during the same period, only 2 cases.

The primary reason for the outbreak is what is described as the anti-vaccination group. Parents opposed for medical and/or religious reasons to measles vaccinations.

Another study reflects that between the years 2010 and 2017, 21 million children world wide remained unvaccinated.

All of the preceding contribute to the opinion that unless those required to be vaccinated get vaccinated soon, measles will obtain a sustained stronghold in the U.S.

Vaccinations are front page news world wide today. Understandable in view of he measles epidemic. Many studies being done. The findings difficult to belief in certain instances.

An example the comparison between the U.S. and Japan. The U.S. mandates many type vaccinations. Japan has no vaccination mandates. Never the less, Japanese children are growing up healthier than U.S. children.

Japan’s population is 127 million. Japan’s children are the healthiest and have the healthiest life expectancy world wide. While being the least vaccinated of any developed country.

The U.S. infant mortality rate is the highest of any comparable nation world wide. The U.S. infant mortality rate reflects more children dying at birth and in the first year of their lives.

A study was done in 2014 comparing infant mortality. The U.S. had the highest number. Japan the lowest. Per every 1,000, the U.S. deaths were 5.8 compared to Japan’s 2.1.

Why?

Enjoy your day!

My love for Greece is well known.

Many Greeks are loyal readers of this blog. Love it!

Theo and Dina are such a couple. They live in a coastal community some where on the northwest side of Greece.

They are visiting Key West this week. We met last night.

Theo has been e-mailing me this past year, sending photos of the lovely Greek area he lives in. Each photo increasing my desire for another Greek visit.

Theo and Dina not strangers to the U.S. They have visited Key West often. Both are hooked! Key West has become their special place. Their goal to have a second home here.

Theo received part of his education in the U.S. A Doctorate from Northwestern. A mechanical engineer. Operates his own business in Greece.

Dina loves to dance. Especially to Cuban music. She has done so a several times already this week.

We spent a couple of hours together. Want to get together tomorrow night for the Great Sea Battle.

Ollie came in and joined us. Ollie the consummate Key West greeter. Ollie an engineer, also. Responsible for our sewer system.

He explained how busy he has been recently. The boat that hit the wires at a bridge near Fleming Key. I thought it caused only the electrical shutdown. Apparently certain of the wires, etc. had to do with sewage. He and his crew have been working diligently to resolve the problem.

Ollie’s consummate capabilities also include lover. He mentioned that 4 ladies had arrived in the afternoon to spend a few days with him. They came to the Chart Room looking for Ollie.

WOW! Beautiful!

I was invited to join them for dinner. Temptation great. Getting late for me, however.

Stopped first at the Blue Macaw on the way home. Terri singing. Enjoyed a drink with Donna.

I looked for Dave and Rhonda. I thought they might be at Blue Macaw to hear Terri sing. Hope to run into them before they leave.

One last stop. Publix. Cupboard bare again. Three small plastic bags of food. $77. Don’t know how families can afford to feed themselves. Cost of groceries similar at present to cost of gasoline. Ever creeping upward. Quietly. Slowly. The consumer never realizes until the total bill received.

Fun time this afternoon. Louis and Laurie Thibaud. I guest on her radio show Party Time from 4-5:30. We talk about whatever turns us on. The give and take terrific. Join us if you can. Radio station 107.5 FM, WGAY FM.

Tomorrow night, the Great Sea Battle. Recalls the birth of the Conch Republic. The Conch Republic Navy and Air Force always win.

I especially enjoy watching the Conch airplanes. Pre-World War II bi-planes. Open cockpits. The Conch’s bomb the Coast Guard vessels beneath them. The bombs rolls of unfurling toilet paper.

A sight to behold!

I cannot help it. I view Trump as arrogant and stupid. He has company. Certain people of Paris. One of the yellow vesters is upset re the $1 billion committed to help restore Notre Dame Cathedral. He was angry because the money was going to Notre Dame and not the poor. He said, “Humans should be more important than stones.”

The poor are not entitled to everything. They are entitled only to that which people want to give them. If people want to contribute to something else, so be it. It’s their money!

Joe Biden announced this morning his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President. A great guy! A good man! I know him personally.

#MeToo has gone too far. The sexual abuse standard consistently lowered. Biden an example. He is no more a sexual deviate than I. His “problem” is his warmth.

Nicholas Kristol wrote today re Biden…..Best we look as carefully at his policies as at his propensity to hug.

I agree.

First the priests, now boy scout leaders.

Court documents indicate 7,819 scout troop leaders abused 12,254 scouts.

I always found it amusing how police would mark tires on a parked car with chalk. The purpose to determine if and when a car was parked over time.

My recollection on this goes back to my high school days. Some 65 years.

Someone recently decided to challenge the chalk method as the basis to issue an overtime parking ticket.

The case came before a Federal District Court. The Judge ruled the chalk marking on tires of parked cars violated the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. The Judge concluded the marking was comparable to entering property without a search warrant which has been illegal for many years.

I am always for Justice. However the cost of obtaining that Justice sometimes outweighs recognition of the right.

An overtime parking ticket is initially dealt with in a Traffic Court. Trial there first. Then application to a Federal Court for Constitutional review. An expensive step. In some jurisdictions, the litigant must first exhaust all State court procedures first. Making the Federal Court application even more expensive.

Whatever, Justice has been done. Someone did not care the cost. Only upholding his rights.

Good for him! Glad he could afford it!

Enjoy your day!

Frank Holden was a very popular and well liked person. He passed on 2 weeks ago. Since, there have been a number of celebrations of his life, 2 shadow box placements with his ashes, and yesterday a Viking burial at sea.

A small amount of ashes were placed in the shadow boxes. The rest went down to sea yesterday.

The Key West Harbor became Frank’s final resting place. A small sailing vessel was constructed. His ashes placed thereon in a tiny coffin. Several boats went out to attend the service. The tiny sailboat was let go from one of the vessels.

The tiny vessel finally slipped under the waves at 12:30 pm.

Boat loads of family and friends attended.

An historic burial. Perfect for a man who spent his life on the sea.

Last night was my podcast Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I dwelled quite a bit on Washington’s desire to engage in war with some country. I sometime think any country.

At the moment, Trump, Pompeo, Bolton and company are considering invading, Venezuela, Iran, maybe North Korea, and placing Russia on the terrorist list.

Each has its own story. I selected Venezuela to dwell on. So much to tell. So much to expose re Trump’s arrogant stupidity.

Guy deBoer at it again. Opening a new publication show. Radio. Similar to one he operated more than 10 years ago.

This one is called KONK Life Amnesty Radio. Aired for the first time yesterday. Station 90.9 FM. Reports all day.

Guy intends it to be community talk format.

He has asked that I participate. I do not know. My material may not fit into what he is seeking.

Some things are basically wrong. Should never be.

I refer specifically to Trump, Twitter, and Twitter’s CEO Jack Dorsey.

We all know the President loves to tweet. Probably has the most Twitter followers than anyone else. His numbers reflect 53.4 million.

Impressive!

Trump’s numbers have dropped recently. By 204,000. Amounts to .04 percent.

Trump troubled. Believes he knows why. Claims Twitter favors Republicans as opposed to Conservatives. He claims the reduction in his numbers intentional. He invited Twitter’s CEO to the White House to discuss the matter. More like a confrontation. The President of the U.S. against one of the U.S.’s leading businessmen.

The two have agreed to keep an open dialogue.

I view the visit as a form of intimidation. Wrong!

There are several Trump’s around the world. All of a sudden!

One is Philippine President Duterte.

He is threatening Canada with war.

Would you believe?

The problem trash/garbage.

Recycling was once big. No longer. Its value diminishing.

Canada used to send its recyclable trash to the Philippines where that country would recycle it for profit.

In 2013-2014, a Canadian company shipped 103 containers of purported recyclable trash weighing 2,450 tons to the Philippines.

Supposedly plastics intended for recycling. Turned out not to be plastics.

The Philippines said take it back. Canada has not yet, though it claims it is working on the problem. The trash is sitting on docks in Manila.

Duterte has had it. You’re garbage…..Get it out of here! Now!

Duterte a ballsy guy. Like Trump. A bully. He threatens. Said yesterday that Canada has one week to get it out or he will consider invading Canada.

Duterte afraid of no one. Last month he threatened that he would send a “suicide mission” to China. The issue involved rights over an island in the South China Sea that both the Philippines and China claim.

Diplomacy a forgotten tool for resolving problems between nations.

Keep in mind Duterte frame of mind. He considers himself Hitler like.

I mentioned yesterday that the price of gasoline in Key West was over $3 a gallon. Questioned whether it would go over $4 again.

It’s coming!

I read last night that in parts of California, gasoline is already over $4 a gallon.

Old time germs returning!

Measles big time. Epidemic proportions in some places.

Tuberculosis (TB) another.

When I was young(1940’s and 1950’s), TB was a major problem. Finally science eradicated, though not totally, the disease. Which means that if anyone comes down with TB today, it’s news.

It was announced this morning that a student at my alma mater Syracuse University has been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Only one case so far. Not yet determined how the student acquired the TB.

Enjoy your day!